I've watched a bunch of episodes of Cold Case since its premiered (especially now that it immediately follows The Amazing Race, but this was one of the best instances of writing and acting I've seen from the house of Bruckheimer. The casting, especially of the younger officers, was spot on, and the script and editing, the soundtrack, and the acting made this episode a tour d'force. If I were the producers I would submit this episode for Emmy consideration. It amazing how complete a portrait was made of Coop and Jimmy within the confines of s 48 minute episode; that takes a lot of talented people doing their best. I hope there's is advance warning of when this episode is repeated, because I'm sure I'll notice a lot that I did not notice the first time around.
11 Reviews
Stunning Episode You Must See
cmeeker22 June 2008
What a stunning episode for this fine series. This is television excellence at its best. The story takes place in 1968 and it's beautifully filmed in black & white, almost a film noir style with its deep shadows and stark images. This is a story about two men who fall in love, but I don't want to spoil this. It is a rare presentation of what homosexuals faced in the 1960s in America. Written by the superb Tom Pettit, and directed by the great Jeannot Szwarc, we move through their lives, their love for each other, and their tragedy. Taking on such a sensitive issue makes this episode all the more stunning. Our emotions are as torn and on edge as the characters. Chills ran up my spine at the end when they played Bob Dylan's gorgeous, "Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now," as sung by the Byrds. This one goes far past a 10 and all the way to the stars. Beautiful.
i loved this episode
hiei_rulez10 December 2007
this was a fantastic episode. i saw a clip from it on YouTube, and i vowed that should it ever show on TV, i would glue myself to the set in order to watch. i wound up watching it with a friend of mine, who happens to be gay, and the two of us cried at the end. this was a truly well-written, heartfelt episode of the forbidden love between two cops who, i felt, really were (in Coop's words) "the Lucky Ones". it is episodes like this one that really make Cold Case one of the most captivating and much-loved works of television magic on CBS. i anxiously await more episodes, and a re-run of "Forever Blue" because i will always watch it again and again.
Bringing Television Into the 21st Century
two_bloody_shirts14 December 2006
I have been a sometimes viewer of this series and I am always impressed by the quality of the episodes I have seen. This particular episode ranks right up there in the top echelon, and it will be one I definitely remember. The writing, directing, and acting by all regular and guest cast was top-notch. This is an intelligent episode and does not force-feed you the themes. The characters motivations and personalities are remarkably well-developed within a forty-five minute time span. The relationship between Coop and Jimmy, which was only shown within a quarter of the full episode, was also believable. A lot of heart went into this one - thanks to everyone who worked to diligently, I'll be watching out for more!
Forever Blue is one of the best episodes, actually the best
sukhan-kaur1112 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This goes way beyond 10 for me because the way they portrayed everything was perfect. The filming absolute perfection, great music and most of all the story line. It killed me when they showed Coop standing near his car for the last time asking Jimmy to stay and by the time they showed Coop saying his last words to Jimmy over the radio I was pretty much bawling. I don't usually feel this intensely about a story and I hardly ever write a review but this one deserved it.
I just wish it wasn't true(I know it's fictional cases) that in real life there are people like this. People who suffered just because someone decided love was unnatural. But we do live in a world full of hate.
Anyway back on track, if you like cases that are set in older times and beautifully shot this is the episode for you. You'll love it!
I just wish it wasn't true(I know it's fictional cases) that in real life there are people like this. People who suffered just because someone decided love was unnatural. But we do live in a world full of hate.
Anyway back on track, if you like cases that are set in older times and beautifully shot this is the episode for you. You'll love it!
Deeply Moving Episode - With Superb Script and Acting
iamaryan10 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I have watched quite a few Cold Case episodes over the years, beginning with Season 1 episodes back in 2003-2004. And while most have been good, this particular episode was not only the best of the best, but has few rivals in the Emmy categories. Though some may not agree with the story content (i.e. the male-to-male romantic relationship), I doubt that anyone could watch this without being deeply moved within their spirit.
The story is essentially about a case that was reopened, based on the testimony from a dying drug dealer. The two central actors are two police officers in the 1960's named Sean Coop (aka, the cold case victim who goes by his last name, Coop) and his partner, Jimmy Bruno.
In the story, Coop is single, a Vietnam war vet, with a deeply troubled past. Jimmy, however, is married, with children no less. Both are partners on the police force and form not only a friendship, but a secret romantic relationship that they both must hide from a deeply and obviously homophobic culture prevalent at that time.
The flashback scenes of their lives are mostly in black and white, with bits of color now and then sprinkled throughout. Examples include their red squad car, the yellow curtains gently blowing by the window in Jimmy's bedroom, where Jimmy's wife watched Coop and Jimmy drink, fight, and then kiss each other while being in an alcohol-induced state. I found it interesting that only selected items were colored in the flashback scenes, with everything else in black and white. I still have not figured out the color scheme and rationale.
The clearly homophobic tension between fellow patrol officers and the two central actors only heightens the intensity of the episode. One key emotional scene was when Coop was confronted by his father after the baptism of Jimmy's baby. In this scene, Coop's father, Sarge, who was a respected fellow officer on the force, confronts Coop about the rumors surrounding Coop's relationship with Jimmy. One can feel sorry for Coop, at this point, as the shame and disgrace of Coop's father was heaped upon Coop - "You are not going to disgrace our family...and you're not my son, either." - clearly indicative of the hostile views of same-sex relationships of that era.
Additional tension can also be seen in the police locker room where Coop and another officer go at it after Coop and Jimmy are labeled "Batman and Robin homos".
As for the relationship between Coop and Jimmy, it's obvious that Coop wanted more of Jimmy in his life. Once can see the tension in Jimmy's face as he must choose between his commitment to his wife and kids, his church, and yet his undying devotion to Coop.
In the end, Jimmy walks away from Coop, realizing that he cannot have both Coop and his family at the same time. Sadly, Coop is killed, perhaps because of his relationship with Jimmy, but Coop may also have been killed for his knowledge of drug money and police corruption that reached higher up in the force.
The most moving scene in the whole episode was when Coop, as he sat dying from gunshot wounds in his squad car, quietly spoke his last words over his police radio to his partner: "Jimmy...we were the lucky ones. Don't forget that."
The soundtrack selection was outstanding throughout the episode. I enjoyed the final scene with the actor Chad Everett, playing the still grieving Jimmy, only much older by now, and clearly still missing his former partner, Coop.
I highly recommend this episode and consider it the best. It is without a doubt the most well-written, well-acted, and well done of all Cold Case episodes that I've ever seen.
The story is essentially about a case that was reopened, based on the testimony from a dying drug dealer. The two central actors are two police officers in the 1960's named Sean Coop (aka, the cold case victim who goes by his last name, Coop) and his partner, Jimmy Bruno.
In the story, Coop is single, a Vietnam war vet, with a deeply troubled past. Jimmy, however, is married, with children no less. Both are partners on the police force and form not only a friendship, but a secret romantic relationship that they both must hide from a deeply and obviously homophobic culture prevalent at that time.
The flashback scenes of their lives are mostly in black and white, with bits of color now and then sprinkled throughout. Examples include their red squad car, the yellow curtains gently blowing by the window in Jimmy's bedroom, where Jimmy's wife watched Coop and Jimmy drink, fight, and then kiss each other while being in an alcohol-induced state. I found it interesting that only selected items were colored in the flashback scenes, with everything else in black and white. I still have not figured out the color scheme and rationale.
The clearly homophobic tension between fellow patrol officers and the two central actors only heightens the intensity of the episode. One key emotional scene was when Coop was confronted by his father after the baptism of Jimmy's baby. In this scene, Coop's father, Sarge, who was a respected fellow officer on the force, confronts Coop about the rumors surrounding Coop's relationship with Jimmy. One can feel sorry for Coop, at this point, as the shame and disgrace of Coop's father was heaped upon Coop - "You are not going to disgrace our family...and you're not my son, either." - clearly indicative of the hostile views of same-sex relationships of that era.
Additional tension can also be seen in the police locker room where Coop and another officer go at it after Coop and Jimmy are labeled "Batman and Robin homos".
As for the relationship between Coop and Jimmy, it's obvious that Coop wanted more of Jimmy in his life. Once can see the tension in Jimmy's face as he must choose between his commitment to his wife and kids, his church, and yet his undying devotion to Coop.
In the end, Jimmy walks away from Coop, realizing that he cannot have both Coop and his family at the same time. Sadly, Coop is killed, perhaps because of his relationship with Jimmy, but Coop may also have been killed for his knowledge of drug money and police corruption that reached higher up in the force.
The most moving scene in the whole episode was when Coop, as he sat dying from gunshot wounds in his squad car, quietly spoke his last words over his police radio to his partner: "Jimmy...we were the lucky ones. Don't forget that."
The soundtrack selection was outstanding throughout the episode. I enjoyed the final scene with the actor Chad Everett, playing the still grieving Jimmy, only much older by now, and clearly still missing his former partner, Coop.
I highly recommend this episode and consider it the best. It is without a doubt the most well-written, well-acted, and well done of all Cold Case episodes that I've ever seen.
The were the "privileged ones"
jotix1005 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
A convict serving time comes forward to give the Cold Case unit information about the murder of a policeman, committed years before. The murder of Sean Cooper, a good cop, was never solved. Naturally, the detectives believe the new evidence will help them put together all the pieces of the puzzle that frustrated their colleagues.
In flashbacks we are taken to the baptism of James Bruno's baby. Sean and Jimmy were partners. There is tension as Sean, who is the godfather, arrives disheveled and late for the rite. Eileen Bruno doesn't appear to be happy being there. The real mystery is revealed by her. She caught Sean, who was drinking with Jimmy in the backyard, kiss her husband, and more shocking yet, Jimmy responding willingly.
Somehow at the station the partners become the center of gossip. Sean has not endeared himself to his superior because he discovered the involvement with a criminal in his area who controlled the drug business. Sean realizes this man is in with the drug strong man because he always makes an excuse to free the scum bags Sean and Jimmy haul into the station all the time. The pressure is too much on Jimmy. Sean is comfortable in his homosexuality and wants to be honest about it. Cooper's own father doesn't want anything to do with a queer son. Even his superior McCree wants him out of his jurisdiction, but the case is complicated because Cooper comes from a long line of Irish men serving in the police force. Sean is killed because his homosexual condition, and for knowing too much on his peers' involvement in taking dirty money.
Tom Petit wrote this honest portrayal of the life of a police officer in the closet and his secret love with another fellow cop. We thought it was a frank account of a serious matter no one talked about in those days. Sometimes the people involved with the show, fearing reprisals from sponsors, or the networks, don't dare to present these real situations. Jeannot Szwarc, shows a sensitive approach to this thorny issue, which is dealt without the sensationalism the case might have been shown with a different team.
There is a rare Chad Everett appearance as the older Jimmy Bruno. His take is right on target with a touch of sentimentality that doesn't get out of hand. Shane Johnson makes an excellent contribution to the show as Sean Cooper. The cast is marvelous and it includes good all around performances from everyone under Mr. Szwarc's direction.
In this episode, Nick Vera, gets closer to his neighbor, the mother of the basketball player the detective took his ball away. Nick is heading for romance with the woman!
In flashbacks we are taken to the baptism of James Bruno's baby. Sean and Jimmy were partners. There is tension as Sean, who is the godfather, arrives disheveled and late for the rite. Eileen Bruno doesn't appear to be happy being there. The real mystery is revealed by her. She caught Sean, who was drinking with Jimmy in the backyard, kiss her husband, and more shocking yet, Jimmy responding willingly.
Somehow at the station the partners become the center of gossip. Sean has not endeared himself to his superior because he discovered the involvement with a criminal in his area who controlled the drug business. Sean realizes this man is in with the drug strong man because he always makes an excuse to free the scum bags Sean and Jimmy haul into the station all the time. The pressure is too much on Jimmy. Sean is comfortable in his homosexuality and wants to be honest about it. Cooper's own father doesn't want anything to do with a queer son. Even his superior McCree wants him out of his jurisdiction, but the case is complicated because Cooper comes from a long line of Irish men serving in the police force. Sean is killed because his homosexual condition, and for knowing too much on his peers' involvement in taking dirty money.
Tom Petit wrote this honest portrayal of the life of a police officer in the closet and his secret love with another fellow cop. We thought it was a frank account of a serious matter no one talked about in those days. Sometimes the people involved with the show, fearing reprisals from sponsors, or the networks, don't dare to present these real situations. Jeannot Szwarc, shows a sensitive approach to this thorny issue, which is dealt without the sensationalism the case might have been shown with a different team.
There is a rare Chad Everett appearance as the older Jimmy Bruno. His take is right on target with a touch of sentimentality that doesn't get out of hand. Shane Johnson makes an excellent contribution to the show as Sean Cooper. The cast is marvelous and it includes good all around performances from everyone under Mr. Szwarc's direction.
In this episode, Nick Vera, gets closer to his neighbor, the mother of the basketball player the detective took his ball away. Nick is heading for romance with the woman!
You guys got me.
dhogancamp11 December 2009
I watch Cold Case because of the real life experiences depicted. This one was very close to me and touched me deeply, so beautifully handled, thanks, Merideth. All the characters are well developed 3D especially Coop. The material is still difficult to approach, the US is far behind the developed nations of the world. only this kind of honest actual experiential portrayal and treatment makes an impact on the population. of course, not everyone sees things the same way but i am heartened that 3/4 of the men polled in the under 30 crowd voted the same as me 10. you're reaching the hard ones - i will forever reserve the "best episode" place for this episode. Please continue taking chances and accept my heartfelt gratitude.
"Forever Blue" was one of my favorites!
jnmil313 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This was one of the all time best episodes. Officer Sean Cooper was murdered in his patrol car back in '68. A dying convict in the state penitentiary reveals that he stole a block of heroin from the car after the shooting. His case is reopened with the presumption that he was corrupted as a policeman.
Further investigation into him as a police officer and a human being reveals a war veteran involved in a forbidden love. This type of love was considered shameful and something to at least keep hidden at that time.
While this isn't the type of love I personally support, he was still a policeman and a human being and shouldn't have been killed for it. The sound track was excellent (keeps me watching the DVR), and the selective use of black and white mixed with color to emphasize one object or give a particular feeling to a scene was especially appealing. I shall be watching this one in repeat!
Further investigation into him as a police officer and a human being reveals a war veteran involved in a forbidden love. This type of love was considered shameful and something to at least keep hidden at that time.
While this isn't the type of love I personally support, he was still a policeman and a human being and shouldn't have been killed for it. The sound track was excellent (keeps me watching the DVR), and the selective use of black and white mixed with color to emphasize one object or give a particular feeling to a scene was especially appealing. I shall be watching this one in repeat!
THE HIGHEST RATED EPISODE OF THE WHOLE SERIES!
unlvrebels-5353121 January 2023
I HAVE WATCHED AND SEEN THIS EPISODE OVER AND OVER AND ALWAYS FELT EMOTIONAL AFTER VIEWING IT. BOTH COOP & JIMMY'S LOVE FOR EACH OTHER WERE SO EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL AND TRULY CONNECTED.
THEIR MAIN CHARACTERS WERE SO RUGGED AND MANLY, YET ALSO EMOTIONALLY VULBERABLE. EACH OF THEM WERE EQUALLY HANDSOME, GORGEOUS, COMPLEMENTE, AND MIRRORED EACH OTHER BRILLIANTLY. THEIR ACTING SUPERB, AS YOU CAN FEEL THEIR EMOTIONS.
JUST LIKE THE BIG THEATRICAL ACADEMY MOVIE WITH THE SIMILAR STAR-CROSSED LOVERS THEME, I WAS HOPING FOR AN ALTERNATE, HAPPIER FAIRYTALE, INSTEAD OF THE TYPICAL TRAGIQUE ENDING. THIS WAS THE BESTEST AND WAS DEF AN EMMY WORTHY EPISODE, INCLUDING THE WHOLE COLD CASE SERIES.
THEIR MAIN CHARACTERS WERE SO RUGGED AND MANLY, YET ALSO EMOTIONALLY VULBERABLE. EACH OF THEM WERE EQUALLY HANDSOME, GORGEOUS, COMPLEMENTE, AND MIRRORED EACH OTHER BRILLIANTLY. THEIR ACTING SUPERB, AS YOU CAN FEEL THEIR EMOTIONS.
JUST LIKE THE BIG THEATRICAL ACADEMY MOVIE WITH THE SIMILAR STAR-CROSSED LOVERS THEME, I WAS HOPING FOR AN ALTERNATE, HAPPIER FAIRYTALE, INSTEAD OF THE TYPICAL TRAGIQUE ENDING. THIS WAS THE BESTEST AND WAS DEF AN EMMY WORTHY EPISODE, INCLUDING THE WHOLE COLD CASE SERIES.
One of the best episodes
dgz7819 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The quality of Cold Case episodes is above average, especially considering the time restraints of story lines that would be tough to put into a 90 minute movie. The acting is justifiably restrained considering they are working on cases usually decades old. This is not Starsky and Hutch or Miami Vice.
This episode is one of the best reflecting a time prior to Stonewall similar to a previous episode dealing with race relations. The '60s were a turbulent time - flower power and peace & love often took a back seat to riots, sit-ins and days of rage. Homosexuality was still classified as a disorder I believe so this story about two gay cops was well done.
My only complaint is one I have with many episodes - how they solve the case. Here you have someone that has kept a secret for years and he blurts out that he did it under questioning and he was a cop no less. Up until the time the perp confesses there is usually no hard evidence that would stand up in court, usually just the detectives putting together long buried clues and coming up with the most likely story. No one seems to ask for an attorney when questioned and just reach a point where they confess. It's not like they beat the suspects with a rubber hose to get a confession.
That said, I still like the show but it helps to remember that it is still a TV show that has about 45 minutes to tell a story.
One other thing I about Cold Case. They didn't cut off The Byrds version of My Back Pages at the instrumental bridge like so many other shows would. Their selection of songs, especially at the conclusion, are almost always spot on. Few shows would spend the money or like WKRP unable to afford the original music for dvds and reruns.
This episode is one of the best reflecting a time prior to Stonewall similar to a previous episode dealing with race relations. The '60s were a turbulent time - flower power and peace & love often took a back seat to riots, sit-ins and days of rage. Homosexuality was still classified as a disorder I believe so this story about two gay cops was well done.
My only complaint is one I have with many episodes - how they solve the case. Here you have someone that has kept a secret for years and he blurts out that he did it under questioning and he was a cop no less. Up until the time the perp confesses there is usually no hard evidence that would stand up in court, usually just the detectives putting together long buried clues and coming up with the most likely story. No one seems to ask for an attorney when questioned and just reach a point where they confess. It's not like they beat the suspects with a rubber hose to get a confession.
That said, I still like the show but it helps to remember that it is still a TV show that has about 45 minutes to tell a story.
One other thing I about Cold Case. They didn't cut off The Byrds version of My Back Pages at the instrumental bridge like so many other shows would. Their selection of songs, especially at the conclusion, are almost always spot on. Few shows would spend the money or like WKRP unable to afford the original music for dvds and reruns.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
